First U.S. Transgender Public Official

Jeff Herbst, the mayor of New Hope, Texas, has publicly announced that he is transgender. He is the first elected official to do so in the United States.

In May of last year, Herbst became mayor of the small town 45 minutes from Dallas, Texas. The woman now known as Jess received the appointment when the previous mayor died. A few days ago, Herbst wrote a letter to the town’s people on the town’s website announcing her transition.

“As your Mayor I must tell you about something that has been with me since my earliest memories. I am Transgender,” Herbst wrote.

“Two years ago, with the support of my wife, daughters and son-in-law, I began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). At the time, I did not imagine I would hold the Mayors position, but here I am.”

“It is gender identity not sexual preference that applies to me,” Herbst continued.

“I love my wife, and she loves me, we have no intention of change. My daughters have been adamant supporters of me and are proud to tell people their father is transgender.”

The mayor now has a blog where she will documenting her journey as well as her life in office.